Gas prices seem to continually creep higher and more people are opting to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicles. Those are both great options to help save you money, but they can both be made even better. Did you know that by utilizing a heat rejecting automotive window film, you can increase the range of your electric or hybrid vehicle? In this brief article we will explain the how and why automotive window film is beneficial in this area.

First, let’s explore one of the primary ways that the battery in an EV or hybrid vehicle gets drained. In addition to powering the vehicle, much of the power from the batteries goes to operating the comfort systems. These would include things like lights, sound system and most importantly, the HVAC system. Depending on the vehicle, use of the air conditioning can reduce range from 9-17%. See estimate graphics from Tesla’s own website below that show range estimate for various cars in their line-up with all things being equal except the use of the HVAC system.

Model Range without HVAC Use

Model Range with HVAC Use

Now that we have established that running the HVAC does decrease the range of your vehicle, how can window tint help? Through the use of an automotive window film, solar energy entering the car through the windows can be reduced significantly. By reducing the heat entering the vehicle, the need to run the HVAC will be reduced and that will extend your range. Over time, through the extended range and reduced running costs, the window tint installation could actually pay for itself.

Hopefully this brief article will help you understand how window tint can help you increase the range of your electric vehicle or hybrid. If you would like more information about automotive window film and how they can be implemented into your electric or hybrid vehicle, click HERE. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today. We have three convenient locations in Columbus, Powell and Reynoldsburg to better serve you. Find out why we are the #1 source for automotive window tinting in the Columbus, Ohio area.